Height: 1.94m, Weight: 94KG
In Spain's predominantly small and nimble front line, Llorente stands out like a "crane among chickens", resembling a battering ram on the front line, even attracting the attention of the Spain National Team.
No one can challenge me physically. I am a man destined to become a great player like Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Although called the "New Ursus" by Athletic Bilbao fans, Llorente always felt that his style and technical characteristics were closer to Ibrahimovic.
As he became increasingly prominent in the team, even relegating Ursus to the bench, some Athletic Bilbao fans have begun calling him the "Basque Lion King".
And now, this Basque Lion King suffered a setback, failing to overpower Chen Zhong, who is slightly shorter, in a physical confrontation.
"I should have shot directly just now."
Llorente murmured to himself, finding it hard to forget the recent failure.
As one of Spain's rare tall center forwards, he possesses a unique ability for headers and a commendable shooting skill, enough to earn him a place in any team.
On the sidelines, the slightly chubby Caparros grasped his hair with both hands, unable to believe his eyes, this coach who before the match fantasized about beating Real Madrid at home.
He was stunned.
Before the match, he insisted, I admit little Chen might be strong, but compared to my Llorente, he still falls short.
But now?
"Oh my God!"
"Is he really only 16 years old?"
"Is he really an Asian?"
"Why is he so strong?"
"Damn it, he's going to ruin our tactics."
Caparros had a very accurate understanding of the gap between the two teams; before the match, he thought Bilbao's defense wasn't much different from Real Madrid's.
The biggest problem in the attack was the organization, crossing, and shooting in the front 30-meter area, which were lacking in finesse and individual skill variation.
But that's okay, this season he unearthed Llorente within the team. Although he still hasn't figured out some aspects, in the right tactical system, if he can play to his strengths, he would be a nightmare for Real Madrid's backline.
When a team has a tall center forward, how should you attack?
The only way to attack is through crosses.
Real Madrid gradually adapted to the noise of San Mames Stadium, and within these 15 minutes, the biggest focus was the physical clash between Chen Zhong and Llorente, which gave many people a clear idea of just how strong Chen Zhong is.
Online, domestic fans were eagerly discussing due to Chen Zhong's numerous appearances.
[This is awesome, CCTV finally broadcasts a Real Madrid match, and it's so powerful!]
[The home team has pretty good stamina! And their fans' cheering, you can feel the pressure just by watching TV, but Chen Zhong's presence makes Real Madrid's defense rock-solid!]
[I think letting Chen Zhong drag back was a very correct choice by old Shu today. Chen Zhong is strong, has excellent defensive awareness, and is very tough, although he is only 16, he is absolutely fearless in physical confrontations, and he can also pass and organize.]
[Am I the only one who feels sorry for Xiao Si? Xiao Ba and Xiao Chen are fine, but how many times has Xiao Si been fouled just shortly into the match?]
[Wow, did you see that? Athletic Bilbao fans are throwing trash onto the field!]
This was an attack by Athletic Bilbao. When they attempted to find Llorente through a cross, Chen Zhong and Llorente tangled together, using shoulders, hands, legs, every part in an attempt to take down the other.
Between the two, Llorente initially attempted to attack aggressively, to knock Chen Zhong down in one go, but Chen Zhong held his ground, feeling Llorente's force sideways, and when the opponent slightly relaxed, exerted himself powerfully.
This made it difficult for Llorente to handle the ball well. After barely stopping it, Chen Zhong's long leg jabbed, and the ball rolled aside to be captured by Casillas.
In the first half, behind Real Madrid's goal were the die-hard fans of Athletic Bilbao. When they realized that creating noise couldn't intimidate Real Madrid players, they started attempting to throw debris, trying to distract the players.
Especially when Chen Zhong was relatively close, they spewed all sorts of swear words.
This Asian boy had restricted their beloved Llorente in this match.
"In the face of the tough Athletic Bilbao."
"Real Madrid, in this match, showed no sign of backing down."
"On the contrary, they played very firmly, especially in defense, fiercely defending against Athletic Bilbao's attacks."
"In the contest with Llorente, Chen Zhong didn't gain an absolute advantage, but he also thwarted Bilbao's plan to execute wide crosses for Llorente's headers."
"Schuster's arrangement is very reasonable and effective."
"If there's any issue for Real Madrid in this match, it would be on the flanks, lacking players like Robben makes their wing breakthroughs less threatening."
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